Tag Archives: 2017

April 16 marked 155 years since President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensation Emancipation Act, which granted freedom to about three thousand one hundred enslaved people in Washington,DC. The act was signed months before the better known Emancipation Proclamation. African Americans began public celebrations right after the civil war. they continued through the early twentieth century, then stopped. the DC government re-started observances in 2002. This year, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser hosted festivities for DC Emancipation Day eight days earlier due to the Easter holiday falling on the same day. UJW Sophomore, Damon Countee, who attends Frederick Douglass High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, reports on the significance of the holiday…

In Washington, D.C., The National Museum of African-American History and Culture has been up and running for less than a year and attendance has been sizeable. As of mid-February 2017, the museum passed its one million visitors mark, just shy of its five month opening. First-time visitors are the largest population coming from all over the country. Senior Caitlin Bllard from Benjamin Banneker High School in Washington, D.C. explores some of their experiences.

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Ella Fitzgerald was born a century ago on the 25th of April. Tributes are taking place across the country to mark the 100th year of her birth. Among the celebrations are singing competitions, the release of a centennial album, and an exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. UJW’s Essence Epperson is a senior at Frederick Douglas High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She visited the exhibit and has this report on Fitzgerald’s musical impact and career…

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Over time, it’s been called “Yo Mama Jokes”, the Dozens,” and other names. In modern rap music, it’s called “beef”. By any title, it’s all the same: verbal battles. But when do rap beefs go too far? UJW Sophomore Miles Peterson of Benjamin Banneker High School in Washington, DC investigates…

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At year 51 the Cherry Blossom Kite Festival is still flying high. Whether you’re a professional or a novice, the National Mall in the nation’s capital is the ideal kite flying destination, especially when the winds are whippin’. Straight Up Urban Voice senior, Madison Brown of Elizabeth Seton High School, in Bladensburg, Maryland has tips on how to make your kite soar.

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